Day: January 29, 2007

Monday, 29 January 2007 10:32 AM

Alan Shearer

In recent times, South Melbourne FC has been fortunate enough to have had a few international sports stars acknowledge the club.

In October last year, Newcastle United great Alan Shearer conducted a coaching clinic on Bob Jane Stadium and was generous enough to pause for a photo with the South Melbourne scarf.

Also present in the photo with Alan are stadium director George Koukoulas, senior coach John Anastasiadis and assistant coach John Gabrielson.

Marcos Baghdatis

Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis has risen in recent times to become one of the biggest up-and-coming talents in world tennis. Marcos’ determination and passion – along with an enormous and vocal support base – enabled him to reach the Australian Open final last year. In 2007, Marcos’ campaign was unfortunately ended in the second round, however that did not stop him from thanking all of his fans for their loyal support. Marco also kindly paused to have his photo taken with the South Melbourne scarf.

The South Melbourne family wishes Marco all the best for all tournaments that he will compete in in 2007 and looks forward to seeing him back in Melbourne for the 2008 Australian Open.

Picture by Con Fotiadis

Monday, 29 January 2007 10:18 AM

South Melbourne has booked its spot in the Hellenic Cup final after a hard fought 2-0 victory against Premier League newcomers, Western Suburbs.

Once again fielding a relatively experimental lineup, South started the game slowly with Western Suburbs missing some clear cut opportunities early within the first 10 minutes.

However, as the game continued, South began to assert their dominance, with a reward coming shortly after the half time interval.

Sam DeVito slammed home a chance after being presented with the ball from the right hand side, breaking through the stagnant defence and leaving the keeper with no chance.

South doubled the lead minutes later, when a Fernando De Moraes free kick found the unmarked Tansel Baser in the six yard box.

Baser – with the help of the crossbar – calmly headed the ball past the helpless keeper, who could only look at his defence after such loose marking.

South will now play the Oakleigh Cannons in the final of the Hellenic Cup, after the Cannons defeated the Waverley Wanderers in extra time by 4 goals to 2.

Details of the time and date of the final will be released once information becomes available.

Monday, 29 January 2007 1:00 AM

South Melbourne continues to distinguish itself on the playing field by producing and blooding talented youngsters who are going on to play at the highest level.

Two recent defensive talents unearthed by the lakeside based club, Dino Djulbic and Steven O’Dor will return to the club for season 2007 with Djulbic to spend only half a season at South after being promised a contract by A-League club Perth Glory and young Socceroo O’Dor sure to be picked up after some astute defensive displays during the late season revival of the New Zealand Knights.

O’Dor was blooded by South coach John Anastasiadis during the 2005 season and quickly went on to establish himself in the heart of the South Melbourne defence, his confidence and natural defensive talents earnt him a scholarship at the AIS during 2006 which also saw O’Dor become a regular with the young Socceroos.

Towards the end of the current A-League season and with the New Zealand Knights in turmoil, O’Dor was called upon and instantly adapted to the standard and pace of the competition, looking quite at home and at ease in the heart of the Knight’s defence. O’Dor’s most commanding display came in the last game of the season where New Zealand comfortably accounted for the Perth Glory 2-0, with O’Dor not putting a foot wrong.

Conversely, Dlujbic has followed a similar path towards the A-League, turning out for Perth SC in the Western Australian Premier League before moving down to Melbourne last season to play for the Frankston Pines. Somewhat unsettled at the Pines, Djulbic moved to South half way through the season and it was from there that the player began to shine. With South’s defensive core decimated by injuries to key players Arthur Tsonis and Con Blatsis, Djulbic was quickly thrown into the heart of the South defence.

Within a few games Djulbic was marshalling the defence like a seasoned pro, dominating everything in the air and starting attacks with his ability on the ground.

In the grand final against Altona, the big “Sandgropper” was outstanding, nullifying completely the presence of the league’s top scorer Saso Becivnovski and intercepting everything that came his way.

Such was Djulbic’s displays for South that Perth Glory Coach Ron Smith invited the player down for a trial. Djulbic immediately impressed and will link up with the Glory sometime in July for his crack at A-League football.

In other defensive news, South is also continuing to trial Clifton Hill defender Frank Drakopoulos. The 22 year old has impressed in pre-season trial games and may be picked up by the Albert Park-based club.